2012, August 15 - 17 - Karijini National Park to Tom Price

Luke in front of one of the dump trucks driven mostly
by women and filled with Iron Ore at the Rio Tinto Mine

Trip Meter Reading Start – 1256

Trip Meter Reading Finish –  1372
Total Km Travelled –  116 km

Filled Up Tom Price
ULP $1.64 per litre; 63.07 litres; $101.49

Accommodation
Tom Price Tourist Park; $38 p/night per couple powered site ($7 per child if you tell them you own one); very well kept, clean park and amenities; green grass and shade (on our site anyway)

Comments – Luke
This morning (Wednesday) we went to Circular Pool where I had a swim.  It was so cold I nearly turned into ice.  After that I got my Junior Ranger badge; to get this I had to complete a big 4 page questionnaire and do alot of written exercises about caring for National Parks and our responsibilities.  When we got to Tom Price we did some shopping and stayed at a camp ground.


Luke taking a swim at Circular Pool, Karijini National Park

Today (Thursday) we went shopping.  After that I played my PS3.  When I was playing my PS3 a flock of correlas came so I fed them Armands (Almonds – good try Luke!).

Friday – Today we went on a mine tour about Iron Ore.  We saw heaps of dumper trucks they where huge.  We also saw the mine where they dig for Iron Ore.  I found a peacock rock witch is a rainbow coloured rock.
Comments – Mum and Dad
After Luke proudly collected his rangers badge we took the steep walk into Dales Gorge to Circular Pool before heading to Tom Price.  Again we had to descend down a couple of ladders and steep incline.  When your going down, you know that when you come back you’ve got a steep climb back up and that your heart rate will be getting a workout!  We met a young family with 5 kids under 11, one was in a back pack while her mum climbed down the ladder (amazing!).  It was an easy walk to Circular pool and the kids all love clambering over the rocks in the shade of the trees growing at the bottom of the gorge.  The reflections of the bright red cliff faces in the water at the pool were spectacular; shame the water was so cold, but it didn’t stop the kids getting in for a swim.

Back up to the car we headed for Tom Price and booked into the only caravan park.  Unfortunately we could not do the mine tour until Friday, so we were here for 3 nights, however some free time to do some much needed washing after a week of traipsing through red dirt and dust it was time to catch up on some dreaded household chores.

Tom Price is a pretty little place, with many of the locals working for Rio Tinto.  There are more kids than adults with the average age being 12; there are 2 primary schools and 1 highschool.  Some of these kids are getting jobs after their HSC starting on $46k per year.  It is in Rio’s best interest to have permanent families employed here.

Wildflowers in front of Mount Nameless at Tom Price

In town was a newly constructed Coles supermarket complete with a kids water park and playground; the town is expanding with the shire implementing a new swimming pool and skate park.  There is money to be made here and ladies, they need us to drive the big trucks, because apparently we are much gentler with these mighty machines – care to make $120 grand a year? 6 days on and 6 days off with Rio providing you with accommodation and low cost energy and water?  The amount of young women in around the town in the mining gear was to say the least inspirational; these kids are willing to get ahead and make the most of this mining boom.

We took a tour to the mine on the Friday; our guide had worked in the mine in the early 70’s and 80’s and was very knowledgeable.  The mountain Mt Tom Price was now a big hole in the ground, actually, it was bloody huge!  4-6 trains carrying 230-250 carriages per day with 3.5 million dollars of iron ore leave Tom Price each day for the docks.  The power stations, the plant required to run this places was overwhelming.  A water truck driver earns $120k per week.  Most people stay for 2 – 5 years to get ahead, and why wouldn’t you.  Tom Price is the perfect community place (where there is no Myer or shopping to tempt the ladies) to earn a good quid for those with a basic school education....so where the bloody hell are ya?

2012, August 13 - 14 - Karijini National Park (via Port Hedland)

Me and mum on the Spider Walk
Hancock Gorge, Karijini

Trip Meter Reading Start – 1056
Trip Meter Reading Finish –  1133
Total Km Travelled –  77 km

Accommodation
Dales Campground, Karijini National Park; $16 p/night (x2 adults x1 child); $10 per vehicle

Comments – Luke
Today (Monday) we set up camp in Warlu Loop in Dales campground.  We went to a look out overlooking the Circular Pool; it was a long way down.

We then went down the gorge for a swim at Fern Pool where their were two water falls and lots of fish.  After that we went to Fortesque Falls witch was a larger waterfall; the surrounding rocks had strippy layers, one of which is a blue esspertesse (asbestos – good try Luke!).  Back at camp I’m working on becoming a Junior ranger.

Today (Tuesday) we explored Hancock and Weano Gorge.  I enjoyed the Spider walk the most because it tests your skills the most by climbing along rock ledges and going through narrow gaps in water.

Comments – Mum and Dad
The visitors centre at the park was beautifully set out, with plenty of aboriginal and early settler history and information.  Mark purchased a new cooler as he misplaced his Big Banana one (sorry Helen!) for a souvenir; I bought a couple of pressies for my neice and sister in law for early birthday gifts to send home when I get to Tom Price.  Luke was also given a questionnaire and some research papers to complete on the Park to earn a Junior Park Ranger badge – great idea for kids learning on the road about the environment and how to look after it!

We booked two nights as we arrived at midday; receipts in hand we proceeded to fill up at the water tank then to the ranger station where some lovely volunteers allocated us a site.  The campsite was very private, red but not dusty; the surrounds were gorgeous and nothing like the seaside vistas we are used to seeing.

This park has claimed many lives, so caution is required as the rocks are slippery and slate like plus there are ladders to climb up and down.

Information in hand, we set up camp and drove down to the two lookouts, the first overlooking the gorge down to Circular Pool.  The red slate walls against the blue sky and yellow Spinifex is just amazing!  Then you have these crystal clear deep green turquoise pools below.  Around the corner we clambered down the rocky stairs to Fortescue Falls which is like an amphitheatre overlooking a deep pool fed by the falls; the rocks are natural slate steps.  Around the corner we took a dip at Fern pool which is a turquoise green colour fed by small water falls; small fish surround the timber pontoon which has a ladder into the water....just gorgeous and not far to walk like other gorges.


Swimming at Fern Pool, Dales Gorge Karijini National Park WA

The next day we headed off on a 56 km dirt road drive to Weano, Hancock, Joffre and Red Gorges.  Don’t be put off by people saying the road is too rough (its a load of crap); most of these people have pristine expensive 4wd’s that they don’t want to get dirty.  Take an easy and careful 60km / hour drive in an AWD or sedan and you will be fine!

Road out to Weano, Hancock and Joffre Gorges

At the carpark we met ‘Bill’ who has been on the road for 12 years after fleeing Hungary in the 70’s; he was kind enough to charge up our camera battery and guide us down into the Hancock Gorge.  It is such a short walk (which is a relief) to the edge of the gorge then a steep scramble down into the bottom; at the bottom you walk along smooth slate rock amongst running water and you need to be careful not to rush as the water on the smooth rock is ultra slippery.

Mum swimming through the chasm while I
climb high to keep my feet dry (good thinking 99)

Through here is a chasm filled with very cold (ok extremely cold) water; now you can wade or opt to climb up and around, which we did.  This takes you to another pool then the ‘Spider Walk’ which is another chasm that you use your feet and hands to clamber along the walls to Kermit Pool......Luke loved this, but don’t all kids love climbing....the photos will show you what I’m talking about.

Kermit Pool at the end of the Spider Walk, Karajini National Park, WA

 By the time we explored the Red Gorge, the day was almost over, however we did stop into look at our last gorge for the trip (did I say last?) Kalamina Gorge.  I must say the water was very low and stagnant in here and the two arches were cut off by fallen trees, but we made our way through for the view; as the light was lowering toward sunset the colours against the rocks made this walk a pretty one.  One would say we were exhausted when we got home, covered in red dirt, I don’t think my white socks and shoes will ever be white again after that.

2012, August 11 - Cape Keraudren to Karijini National Park (via Port Hedland)

Salt mining in Port Hedland, WA

Trip Meter Reading Start – 602

Trip Meter Reading Finish –  1056

Total Km Travelled –  454 km

Filled up Port Headland

$158.5 per litre; 56.78 litres; $90

$1.29 per litre; 64.4 litres; $83.17

Filled up Auski Roadhouse

$1.69 per litre; 36.65 litres; $62.01

Accommodation

Free camp at Albert Tognolini Rest Area 17km south of the Auski Roadhouse; approx 40kmto Karajini National Park; $6 for showers at Auski Roadhouse

Comments – Luke Baker

Today we went to Port Hedland and as we were entering we could see a massive pile of somthing white.  When we got closer to it we found out that it was salt.  The minding trains were at least a kilometre or more long;  we did a bit of shopping and had lunch.  We also stopped at a roadhouse to have a shower and fill up with petrol.  After that we stayed at a free camp.

Comments - Mum and Dad

We ventured into Port Hedland to stock up on food before we heading down the Great Northern Highway toward Karajini National Park.

The place is mining central and most cars on the road are driven by employees of BHP Billiton.  Close to town were large salt pans which are processed and exported. 

There was a big port where the trains loaded with Iron Ore are transferred onto containers; the beach was very brown and muddy, however the town area was green and tidy, but very mining orientated.  We bumped into Tin and John from Newcastle at the local Woolies; mum and dad also popped in around the corner to do some shopping (small world hey?); we stocked up so that we had enough supplies for the next 3 days of unpowered camping on our way to Karijini.    

The drive through the Pilbara toward Karajini was a beautiful landscape of hills with bright red dirt poking through the yellow spinifex with a contrasting brillant blue sky in the background.  It was a very pleasant drive.  There were numerous road trains keen to overtake our van sitting on 95 km / hour.  We decided to take advantage of a cheap shower at the Auski Roadhouse that had accommodation for vans out the back, but we were keen to save where we could and after a nice long hot shower for $3 we foraged on another 17km up the road to a beautiful free camp with a magic view from the top.

View from our free camp 40km from Karijini National Park

Friday/Saturday 10th and 11th August 2012 80 Mile Beach to Cape Keraudren



Luke and one of the locals

Trip Meter Reading Start – 411

Trip Meter Reading Finish –  602
Total Km Travelled –  191 km

Accommodation
11km of dirt road on the right heading south from the Pardoo Roadhouse.  This camp is run by the shire; vans ok; you don’t need a 4wd; cost is $6.50 p/n per person ($4.50 if you hold a concession card) and $3 per child plus you pay $10 for your vehicle

Our camp site over looking the bay 200 metres from the Rabbit Proof Fence historical site

Comments – Luke Baker
On the way to Cape Keraudren we stopped at Pardoo Roadhouse and had lunch. When we got to Cape Keraudren we set up camp right on a headland overlooing the bay and beach.  We also went fishing down the creek and mum caught a catfish and I caught a mud-crab.

The next day we went exploring the headland and rock-pools.  There were fosselised correls and shells and lots of oysters.  I found a big clam and shell.  Two turtles swam by when I was fishing.  I caught three spotted cod.  This afternoon a female wallaby ate a carrot out of my hand  when she visited my camp site.  The historical rabbit proof fence ends on this hedland and started all the way down in South Australia.  Nan and Pop also came today.


Catch of the day....too small to eat so he lived another day

Comments – Mum and Dad
We weren’t planning on staying here but simply to have a look as I didn’t think 80 mile beach would interest my mum and dad who were still stuck in Broome waiting on doctors advice.

Approaching the gate where you must stop your vehicle, the volunteer relieving for the ranger advised we need to pay $10 to just drive in and take a look.  With plenty of time up our sleeve we paid the money and once we saw the beautiful camp sites on the headlands overlooking an untouched coral / marine bay, we decided to stay a couple of nights.  The boat ramp area was gorgeous but choc a block so we headed into a camp area just out from there on the left hand side before ‘Sandy Beach’ area.  We found a site looking straight over a turquoise coloured bay with its own rock fire place (pity we didn’t have any firewood).

For those campers who want 12 metres minimum between sites and a million dollar view with whales, dolphins and turtles cruising by, this is the place for you.  Better still the wallabies that inhabit the area are very friendly; one coming onto our site with it’s joey for a pat and a quick hello.

There are tracks all over the place taking you to sandy un-manmade boat ramps in amongst mangroves where you can fish off the banks.  You do need to assume salt water crocs are around at all times whether you can see them or not.

This is truly a magnificent beautiful site to relax and enjoy.  You really are away from the hustle and bustle here and the colours of the water with the white sandy beaches and red red sunsets are to die for. 

Wed/Thursday 8th and 9th August 2012 Broome to Eighty Mile Beach

Trip Meter Reading Start – 0 (restarted as Mark stuffed up somehow)

Trip Meter Reading Finish – 411 km
Total Km Travelled – 411 km

Filled  up Coles Express Broome
ULP $1.68 per litre; 55.54 litres @ $93.58
Gas $1.159 per litre; 64.48 litres @ $74.73
Filled up Sandfire Roadhouse
ULP $1.882 per litre; 64.3 litres @ $121.00
Accommodation
Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park
$35 per night unpowered (extra $7 per child, if you tell them); we had the unpowered area all to ourselves and backed closest to the sand dunes; nice green grass, no shade but the temperature was perfect not too hot or cold and perfect for the 80w solar which ran our engel 38 litre fridge all day.  If you don’t need power I would recommend the unpowered camp site as you have more privacy and room and it’s cheaper.

Comments- Luke Baker
At 80 mile beach we camped behind a sand dune; we also looked for shells on the beach.
The next morning me and Dad got up very early and looked for shells.  We walked for miles and came across lots of beutifal shells.  After that we went fishing but we didn’t catch anything.    But a man beside us caught 2 stingrays.  We also drove along way up the beach and came across a seasnake.  It had nice strippy pattens.

Comments- Mum and Dad
Reluctantly left mum and dad in Broome as Dad had to see the Doc on Friday to see whether they can continue their trip.  It was a long straight drive down to the turnoff to 80 mile beach with a 6 km dirt road drive in to the camp ground.  We stayed 2 nights as we promised Luke he could look for shells.  This is one of the few places that you can keep shells legally. 

Well Luke found plenty of shells alright, a couple of bucket loads  Luke promises me he is going to make a big shell picture frame (he better) because I spent 3 hours cleaning and sorting them into sizes into clip lock bags so they didn’t stink the van out.

3 hours before high tide and about an hour afterwards there are about one fisherman per 15 metres up and down the beach as far as you can see.  Of course, we had no luck catching anything, however we took a drive up the beach and I must say even though you could see a mirage either way it was beautiful white beach with more shells than you could ever imagine.  On the other side of the dunes was the cattle station with herds grazing away no more than 100 metres.  Unbelievable!  If it were the East Coast there would be highrises and resorts; this is what makes the west side of Australia so unique; I hope it stays this way for my children and their children to enjoy.

Wednesday 1 August to Tuesday 7th August to 2012 Broome




Flowers - Quandong

Trip Meter Reading Start – 10381

Trip Meter Reading Finish – 11011
Total Km Travelled –  630 km

Comments -  Luke Baker
Wednesday - we took Nan and Pop down to Broomes Shipping Wharf to see if anyone caught anything.  We also went to a headland to see some dinosaur foot prints but the tide was too high.

Thursday - Today we took Pop to the hospital cause something was wrong with his knee.  We also went shopping and I bought a $50 dollar bionicle.  after that we went back to camp and watched the stair case to the moon.  Witch is the moon beam shinning on the sand flats at low tide.

Friday - Today we went shopping.  We also picked up Pop from the hospital and the Doctor's didn't know what was wrong with his knee.  We watched the staircase to the moon again.  We also went to look at the markets this only happens when the stair case to the moon appears.  I also bought a freshwater parl shell with deformed pearls for 20 dollars.



Luke's catch at Crab Creek

Saturday - Today we went shopping and bought Pop 2 walking sticks.  I also rid the full length of Cable Beach while Mum and Nan walked.  After that we wentback to camp and watched the stair case to the moon.

Sunday - Today we went with Erin and Jake to Crab Creek where we had a fish.  I caught a fish, but we didn't know what it was.  We also went to James Price Point where they want to drive for gas.  We walked along a beach that was there and found a shell approxametly 10 cm long.

Monday - Today Erin and Jake left.  We also went to a cinima in Broome and watched Batman the Dark Knight Rises.  It was a very good movie.

Tuesday - Today we went down to the beach for a swim.  After that we dropped pop off at the hospital for an x-ray.  We also had lunch at Cable Beach at a restaurant.

Comments – Nicole and Mark Baker

We decided to stay on at Broome and just relax and feel normal for a little while, that is, watch tv, cook nice food, walk on the beach and try not to overdo it.

Most people have commented that Broome is overrated, but as a long stop over we have found it very convenient and a great place to relax.  The beaches, ok, don't have waves but are beautiful.  It is the turquoise colour of the water that is amazing and inviting.

There is the odd saltie swimming up and down the coast, so there is no room for complacency if you decide to go in for a swim.  Cable beach has flags and lifesavers; however, not sure how they can make the beach croc safe? 

We explored the Port; the water was an awesome turquoise colour and the tides rush in and out; plenty of good fishing for Queenies and Mackerel off here.

If you want some race action, Broome is the place to be between May and August; The Kimberley Cup was a huge event with the racecourse adjacent to the southern end of Cable beach.

Of course we were lucky to witness the stair case to the moon which occurs once a month on certain dates when the tide here is at it's lowest exposing and lighting up kilometres of sand/mud flats at a time when the moon is rising up from the horizon.  It creates an illusion of steps rising up to the moon. 

Our Lumix instamatic does not do this
justice, but you get the idea

We tried our luck fishing along Crab Creek Road.  You turn off to the right before you get to the turn off to Cape Leveque.  Our trusty falcon was able to rip through the graded sand road with ease; Luke caught a fish second cast but that was all the excitement we got fishing wise that day.  We saw the rooves of a couple of back packer vans under the incoming tide amongst mangroves on the way out.  The silly buggers took them down on the beach at low tide and drove out around the mangroves (where the mud is) and bogged.  The tides ripped through them a couple of hours later writing them off.

As it was just on lunch we headed out toward Willie Creek farm along the Cape Leveque road.  We bypassed the farm at the turnoff to Quandong which is marked as a free camp on the Camps 5 book.  We were surprised to see vehicles without 4wd capacity in there with their vans; so for the confident driver with a normal van and AWD you could free camp in here if the road is as good as it was today.  Camps along here all have their own private ocean views, however the swimming here is not as good as where we are at Roebuck Bay. 

James Price Point - those cliffs in the background are up to 100 m high

Driving further north, to where all the anti gas protesters are set up, to James Price Point was an easy drive and the Falcon did not let us down.  The roads were not corrugated and were wide.  The scenery was spectacular.  The red high cliffs meeting the turquoise waters was amazing.  The photos speak for themselves.

So, where the bloody hell are ya?  James Price Point and not one person on this beach....Amazing!

Tuesday 31st July to 2012 Broome (PCYC to Roebuck Bay Caravan Park)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 10381

Erin, Jake and Luke enjoy the free water park
at Roebuck Bay Beach (next door to our campground)

Trip Meter Reading Finish –
Total Km Travelled –  km

Comments -  Luke Baker

Today we moved into the Tarplee’s campground where I played with Erin and Jake down at the beach all day.

Comments – Mum and Dad

We fluked a spot at the same park as our friends (The Tarplees) this morning.  Can you believe that this massive park of all sites, the only site to vacate was directly across the road from them (The Tarplees)....omg I can pretty much well see Al under her annexe from my cafe dining table (scary huh?)....Mum and Dad also moved over to a small site with their van, and 2 levels up overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters of the Roebuck Bay town beach.  The great thing about this location is that is close (walking distance) to beach, shops, Apex Park which has a full water and dry playground and cafe....here we are going to be able to see the Staircase to the Moon on the 2^nd of August.  This only happens once a month and people travel all over to see it....Lucky for us we are on a well located site (location, location, location)...Powered site for the night $39 p/n plus $5 for kids (not bad for the location and convenience of a beach being 150 m from your front door.

Luke and his Dad enjoying drinks at high tide Roebuck Bay Caravan Park

Today, Scott came home from hospital and is on strict bed rest for another week at least....poor Al is itching to move on, but pneumonia takes a while to recover from so best to be stuck in Broome.

This afternoon we headed back down for another look at Cable Beach for sunset; the northern end was packed with tourists and camels (too much for us) so we headed back to the southern end to drive safely onto the beach without the crowd...hmmmm lovely.

Sunday 29th & Monday 30th July 2012 Broome to Cape Leveque (return)

Luke with one of the locals who's family run the Whale Song
Cafe; her dad is also a school teacher at Beagle Bay

Trip Meter Reading Start – 9,819
Trip Meter Reading Finish – 10,381
Total Km Travelled –  572 km

Comments -  Luke Baker

Today (Sunday) we travelled along a rough long sandy road on the way to Cape Leveque.  We stoped at a cafe and had lunch overlooking the ocean.  When we arrived at Cape Leveque we stayed in a safari tent overlooking the ocean.

Today (Monday) we drove to Broome with Nan and Pop and stayed at the same campground that we did last time.

Comments – Mum and Dad

Mum was terribly excited about our overnight stay at Cape Leveque.  We booked a safari tent (our accommodation) back in Fitzroy Crossing; there was an overnight gap and a family safari tent including a fully equipped kitchenette, bathroom, full size fridge, state of the art bbq. 

We set off again early (by 7.30am) as we did not know what we were up for in the way of the condition of the 200 km of road to Cape Leveque.  Surprisingly it was mostly sandy and not badly corrugated like alot of the unsealed roads we have driven on. 

Our first stop was the Sacred Heart Church with its beautiful pearl shell altar built by local aboriginal people and the Pallotine Monks in 1817.  It is located in an aboriginal community at Beagle Bay.  Entry is free; donations are appreciated.

Back on the main road we turned left to travel a further 66 km return to visit the Whale Song cafe run by the local Beagle Bay school teacher and his wife.  The view from the tin cafe over the ocean was gorgeous with colours of red turning to white into the blue sea.  We enjoyed  our hot coffees and home made apple cinnamon muffins.

Another 3 km from the cafe we came to Middle Lagoon.  We were asked to pay $8 per vehicle for visiting.  As we were only there to have a look we turned around and snuck into a camping ground area overlooking the lagoon to take some photos.  It was absolutely awesome with it’s white sandy bay and turquoise waters (hard to believe crocs may be in there!);  you can camp in the shacks on the beach which are equipped with camp fire/ovens and picnic tables or upgrade to something more sophisticated.  The thing that is great about this place is it is really quiet and low key; minus any potential yuppies wearing gold necklaces.  We were disappointed that we  weren’t able to spend a whole day here...next time eh?

After viewing paradise we headed to Cape Leveque to book into our accommodation and enjoy dip at the swimming area of the cape.  Words cannot describe how beautiful and untouched this place is.....sunset was spectacular with the light on the red red cliff faces bound by the whitest sands I have seen in my life! Unreal...

At $330 for 4 adults and one child (a bit steep, I know) for the safari tent; the view made the pain of the cost go all away.....The tent was equipped with 3 single beds and one queen.  The bathroom and kitchen facilities enabled us to make lunch, dinner and breakfast easily and conveniently (saving money); drinks and cards on the deck was wonderful and relaxing after a long day driving and exploring.....well worth it!

Our safari tent (Maarnong) perched on the hill overlooking
the swimming beach

Enjoy the photos.....



Tide ripping out at the aboriginal community of One Arm Point

Friday 27th & Saturday 28th July 2012 Derby to Broome

Trip Meter Reading Start – 9541

Trip Meter Reading Finish – 9819
Total Km Travelled –  278 km

Filled up Broome

$1.685 p/litre $90.00 (53.42 litres)
$1.159 p/litre $74.67 (64.44 litres)
 

Comments -  Luke Baker

Friday, we called into the Boab Prison tree where they locked up aboriginal people inside the tree.  They used them to dive for pearls.  When we got to Broome we met up with Nan and Pop and took them to cable beach to watch the sunset.

Saturday, we had a look at Rowbuck Bay were the Tarplee’s were camped.  When Jake, Erin and I walked along the beach at low tide we saw heaps of cone shells that were alive.  We went into town and had a look at the history of pearling.  We went to a bottle shop and a man gave me a free harmonica.

Comments – Mum and Dad

Friday; on our way out of Broome we visited the Boab Prison Tree.  Before Derby was established in 1883, aboriginals from the West Kimberly were kidnapped by settlers connected with the Pearling industry as they wanted divers and workers for their boats.  They were held in the Boab Tree until boats arrived and were pretty much well slaves.

As you can’t book for a site in Broome we paid for 3 nights at the overflow park at the PCYC in Roebuck Bay ($30 p/n unpowered $3 per child). 

Saturday; we stocked up on essentials and visited the Tarplee family who were camping at Roebuck Bay one block from the PCYC.  Scott had been admitted to hospital for 3 days for pneumonia which meant that they would be staying here longer than they thought.  The kids were glad to catch up again.

We are aiming to try and book into the same park, however as they don’t take bookings you have to turn up before 8 at the office and hope to fluke a site.  We will try after we have finish our two day trip to Cape Leveque when were back Tuesday.

Friday 27th & Saturday 28th July 2012 Derby to Broome

Trip Meter Reading Start – 9541

Aboriginal men kidnapped and taken as slaves by early settlers

Trip Meter Reading Finish – 9819
Total Km Travelled –  278 km
Filled up Broome
$1.685 p/litre $90.00 (53.42 litres)
$1.159 p/litre $74.67 (64.44 litres)

Comments -  Luke Baker

Friday, we called into the Boab Prison tree where they locked up aboriginal people inside the tree.  They used them to dive for pearls.  When we got to Broome we met up with Nan and Pop and took them to cable beach to watch the sunset.
Saturday, we had a look at Rowbuck Bay were the Tarplee’s were camped.  When Jake, Erin and I walked along the beach at low tide we saw heaps of cone shells that were alive.  We went into town and had a look at the history of pearling.  We went to a bottle shop and a man gave me a free harmonica.

Comments – Mum and Dad

Luke in front of the Boab tree that they inprisoned Aboriginal men

Friday; on our way out of Broome we visited the Boab Prison Tree.  Before Derby was established in 1883, aboriginals from the West Kimberly were kidnapped by settlers connected with the Pearling industry as they wanted divers and workers for their boats.  They were held in the Boab Tree until boats arrived and were pretty much well slaves.

As you can’t book for a site in Broome we paid for 3 nights at the overflow park at the PCYC in Roebuck Bay ($30 p/n unpowered $3 per child). 

Saturday; we stocked up on essentials and visited the Tarplee family who were camping at Roebuck Bay one block from the PCYC.  Scott had been admitted to hospital for 3 days for pneumonia which meant that they would be staying here longer than they thought.  The kids were glad to catch up again.

We are aiming to try and book into the same park, however as they don’t take bookings you have to turn up before 8 at the office and hope to fluke a site.  We will try after we have finish our two day trip to Cape Leveque when were back Tuesday.